Kalpna Singh-Chitnis wants to make a difference – not just through film, but through poetry, charity and life.

The Irvine resident single-handedly founded the Silent River Film Festival, which celebrates its second year this week. The fest – highlighting films from both Eastern and Western cultures – starts Thursday and runs through Sunday.

The Silent River Film Festival, named after a poem by Singh-Chitnis, is presenting 82 films from 20 countries, including features, shorts and documentaries. The fest opens at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with the West Coast premiere of American film "No God No Master," written and directed by Terry Green, as well as the Orange County premiere (8 p.m.) of South Korean film "Unbowed," directed and co-written by Chung Ji-young.

"We have broken some rules here," said Singh-Chitnis, 42, a mother of three. "Because we are East and West both, we have two opening films. ... I personally believe that film is not just a medium for entertainment, but it's a very powerful means of getting the message across, and we want to use it for positive change in our society."

Unlike the way other film festivals operate, Singh-Chitnis is running most of the programs herself and is donating a significant amount of ticket sales to charity. Half of ticket sales from a series of Sunday screenings and seminars – dubbed "Cinema for Causes" – will go to the Elephant Nature Park in Northern Thailand.

The centerpiece of "Cinema for Causes" is "How I Became an Elephant," a documentary about a 14-year-old girl who travels to Southeast Asia and becomes passionate about saving elephants. The movie was co-produced by "CSI's" Jorja Fox, who will appear at the 1 p.m. screening, as well as at a Q&A after the movie.

"'How I Became an Elephant' is delighted and flattered to be part of the Silent River Film Festival," Fox said in a statement. "Bringing people together is one of the main reasons many of us get involved in this wonderful industry. Coming together in the spirit of the 'Cinema for Causes' program is an added honor and a big thrill for us."

Another "Cinema for Causes" film will be "Glass Walls," a documentary produced by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and narrated by Paul McCartney. That film will be part of a program that starts at 10 a.m.

Other films on the schedule include the U.S. premiere of the South Korean documentary "Ari Ari: The Korean Cinema" at 1:35 p.m. Friday; the U.S. premiere of "Aung San Suu Kyi: Lady of No Fear," a documentary about the activist from Myanmar, at 12:20 p.m. Saturday; "Arjun: The Warrior Prince," a rare Disney animation produced in India, at 3:10 p.m. Saturday; and the U.S. festival premiere of "English Vinglish," an Indian drama/comedy with an all-star cast, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

There are more than a couple of twists to this year's festival. On Friday at 8:20 p.m., the fest will screen "186 Dollars to Freedom," which stars Johnny Lewis, a 28-year-old actor who (in real life) died Sept. 26 after he reportedly killed his landlady and fell to his death from her rooftop.

Also, after-hours parties are called "Zen Hours," a more mellow take on the nighttime soirees. The subtle message is to discourage attendees from getting too intoxicated and crazy, so filmmakers and guests can make their screenings the next day.

The festival will include several programs of short films, including "Directors of the Future" showcases Saturday, and teen shorts on Sunday.

All of this international film activity has caught the attention of Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang, who officially endorses the festival.

"It is a celebration of cultural diversity," said Kang, who's running for Congress this November. "It's a reflection of the rich culture and diversity in Irvine. Orange County is changing, and this promotes a very positive atmosphere. Through the arts and culture, we transcend philosophical differences."

All films will screen at Edwards Westpark 8 in Irvine and the Irvine City Hall Council Chamber. Awards and receptions will be held at the Irvine Marriott and other locations. Visit silentriverfilmfestival.com for a schedule and details.

For Singh-Chitnis, this festival is the fulfillment of a long-held dream. "I'm just so happy I've been given a chance by the universe to do these things and put this thing together," she said. "It's a very spiritual experience for me. It's very gratifying. I belong to this world. We are not doing this for just one person."

A scene from "Unbowed," a South Korean film that opens the Silent River Film Festival in Irvine on Thursday. COURTESY OF SILENT RIVER FILM FESTIVAL
A scene from "No God, No Master," an American film written and directed by Terry Green. The film makes its West Coast premiere on Thursday, opening the Silent River Film Festival in Irvine. COURTESY OF SILENT RIVER FILM FESTIVAL
Kalpa Singh-Chitnis of Irvine is the founder and director of the Silent River Film Festival, which starts its second year Thursday. COURTESY OF KALPA SINGH-CHITNIS
The official poster for the second annual Silent River Film Festival, which runs Thursday through Sunday in Irvine. One of the opening films is "Unbowed" from South Korea; it stars Sung-kee Ahn, pictured with a crossbow and suitcase. COURTESY OF SILENT RIVER FILM FESTIVAL
Actress Jorja Fox will attend the Sunday screening of "How I Became an Elephant" in Irvine. She co-produced the documentary. Here, she attends the Vanity Fair, L'Oréal Paris & Fiat-hosted D.J. Night in support of the Pablove Foundation on Feb. 25 in Hollywood. MICHAEL BUCKNER
The catalog cover for the 2012 Silent River Film Festival. The man with the crossbow and suitcase is Sung-kee Ahn, star of "Unbowed," one of the opening films. COURTESY OF SILENT RIVER FILM FESTIVAL

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